As of midnight, Hanna leads Arcuri for 24th Congressional District

Richard Hanna, the Republican millionaire businessman from Utica, Tuesday appeared on his way to upsetting Democratic incumbent Rep. Michael Arcuri in their race for the 24th Congressional District seat.

Hanna unofficially held a lead of some 10,000 votes heading into midnight, and he was declared the winner by The Associated Press.

"I’m comfortable that we will prevail," Hanna said at the Hotel Utica.

He was leading by 69,286 to 59,011, according to unofficial election returns in the 11-county district that includes all or parts of Cayuga, Cortland, Oneida, Seneca and Tompkins counties.

The race was ranked as one of the top 16 most-competitive elections for the House of Representatives, and it became one of the leading battlefields for Democrats and Republicans grappling for control of Congress in this midterm election.

Hanna lost to Arcuri in 2008, but he said he ran a better race and became a better candidate the second time around.

The race turned nasty early and was characterized by mud-slinging television advertising by both candidates. They spent some $4 million.

Hanna, the Republican candidate, said his 30 years of business experience made him the most qualified to represent the district and tackle the nation’s economic and budget problems.

Hanna, who made his fortune in construction and real estate, had a decided advantage heading to the polls, since there are about 31,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats in the district. Hanna received endorsements from the Conservative and Independence parties.

The two candidates agreed on many issues, including their opposition to privatizing Social Security, support for continuing income tax cuts for the middle class, abortion rights and President Obama’s war policy in Afghanistan.